Definition

1. Verb phrase (colloquial):
   • To hear a rumor / to learn by hearsay: To acquire information indirectly, vaguely, or through unofficial channels, often implying the information is incomplete, unverified, or unreliable.
   • To get wind of something: To hear about something indirectly or catch a faint hint of news or information.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Tôi chỉ mới nghe hơi về vụ việc đó thôi, chưa biết chi tiết. (I have only heard a rumor about that incident, I don't know the details yet.)
  • Anh ấy nghe hơi được tin công ty sắp có thay đổi lớn. (He got wind of news that the company is about to have a major change.)
  • Đừng tin ngay, có thể nó chỉ là nghe hơi nồi chõ. (Don't believe it immediately, it might just be mere hearsay.)

Advanced Usage

• "nghe hơi nồi chõ": A common idiomatic extension meaning "to learn by mere hearsay" or "to rely on vague, unsubstantiated news." It carries a slightly more negative or dismissive connotation than "nghe hơi" alone.
  • Chuyện này toàn là nghe hơi nồi chõ, không có căn cứ. (This matter is all mere hearsay, with no basis.)

Variants and Related Words

• Nghe tăm (verb phrase): An older or less common variant with the same meaning as "nghe hơi."
  • Nghe tăm đồn anh sắp đi nước ngoài. (I heard a rumor that you're going abroad soon.)

Synonyms

• Hear a rumor: To receive unconfirmed information.
• Learn by hearsay: To acquire knowledge through unofficial reports.
• Get wind of: To hear a hint or trace of information.

Related Idioms

• Nghe hơi nồi chõ: As detailed above, this is the primary idiom, emphasizing information that is vague, secondhand, and potentially unreliable.

1. Nghe hơi nồi chõ (thông tục)
2. To learn by mere hearsay